When it comes to firearms, rules are definitely not meant to be broken. According to the CDC, in 2021, there were over 500 lethal firearm-related accidents, with reasons varying from playing with a gun and consuming alcohol to assuming the gun was unloaded. This alarming figure highlights the importance of knowing and following gun safety rules. This guide, compiled by experts from GRITR Sports, discusses the essential firearm safety precautions and procedures for handling firearms so that you can reduce the risk of accidents and enjoy shooting sports safely.
Dos of Gun Safety
First off, you’ve probably heard about the 4 rules of gun safety. Let’s break them down now.
Firstly, always treat your firearms with the utmost care and respect. Even if you know your gun is unloaded – and, by the way, it must be unloaded and in a safe condition every time you’re not using it – always take precautions and still treat it as if it is loaded. The rule is as simple as that, yet, many people, especially younger ones, ignore it or rely too much on their memory. But err is human – keep that in mind every time you get to handle a gun.
Keeping your finger off the trigger until you are ready to fire is critical and can prevent accidental discharge. For ultimate safety, keep your finger even outside the trigger guard to prevent it from slipping back on the trigger in case you misstep.
Keeping the muzzle in a safe direction is one more classic gun safety rule. A safe direction here means away from people, property, and yourself, particularly your limbs – feet and arms.
Next, ensure that your line of fire is safe and free from any hazards or obstructions before starting to shoot. It also means you should identify your target and make sure there’s nothing or nobody you don’t intend to hit in front of them, to their sides, AND behind them. Remember that you’re responsible for each and every bullet fired from your gun, so keep things such as overpenetration and ricochet in mind.
Additionally, wear protective gear, such as eye and ear protection, when on the shooting range. Shooting is always loud, even when firing 22 rifles, which are known for being the quietest among firearms. The thing is that exposure to noise greater than 140 dB can lead to permanent hearing damage, and a 22 LR rifle produces noise around that level. So, when heading to a gun range or even the field, get proper impact-resistant shooting glasses and electronic ear muffs or ear plugs that provide active noise compression.
Also, use only those rounds of ammunition your firearm was designed to handle. It includes the caliber and the load. If the manual says your AR-10 is chambered only for the 7.62 NATO, avoid firing .308 Win rounds loaded for slightly higher pressure. If your .40 S&W pistol allows for using +P ammo, it means you can fire both standard and high-pressure .40 S&W rounds with no worries.
Lastly, always carry your firearms safely and securely when traveling, which implies your gun must be unloaded, with a trigger lock on, and in a gun case. Also, clean your firearms regularly, as even a little gunshot residue can cause dangerously increased pressure. When back home after a fun day at the range, don’t forget to put your gun into a lockable safe, separately from the ammunition, to avoid access by unauthorized people and children.
Seeking professional guidance and instructions before shooting for the first time can help you become more familiar with how your gun functions. It can also make you feel more confident and comfortable when handling firearms during loading and unloading, cleaning, and clearing malfunctions.
Don’ts of Gun Safety
Basically, many gun safety don’ts are reverse gun safety dos. For example, never point a firearm at a person or anything that is not intended to be shot. Even if you are confident that the gun isn’t loaded or that a person or an object is out of range, never point the muzzle there. Don’t ever point the muzzle of a gun in an upward direction, either, as it gives you no control over where the bullet might end up if discharged accidentally. Additionally, avoid leaving the muzzle of your gun pointing toward yourself or another person while loading, unloading, racking a slide, or clearing a malfunction.
Also, don’t rely on the safety to prevent accidental fire. Treat it as a supplement, not a substitute for common sense, and never leave your gun loaded when not used.
The next one is kind of obvious – NEVER drink alcohol or use drugs before or during shooting, as alcohol and drugs can impair judgment.
Also, avoid firing at hard and flat targets, as there’s a possibility that the bullet could bounce off and hit someone close by. Shoot at designated targets and always double-check your line of fire.
Lastly, don’t attempt to modify your firearms if you don’t have proper gunsmithing skills, as it can damage your gun, increasing the risk of accidents.
Conclusion
In conclusion, shooting sports can be a fantastic way to unwind and challenge oneself, but it’s crucial to keep safety at the forefront of your mind when handling firearms. By following the dos and don’ts of safe shooting sports, you can avoid the risk of accidents and ensure everybody stays safe.
